By MELISSA PEACOCK

Whether or not we like to admit it, money really does matter. It keeps a roof over our a heads and warm food in our stomachs. It keeps the doors to businesses open. It dictates the quality of our children’s education and the services that are available through parish government.

This year, in response to a decrease in sales tax, a sluggish economy and an anticipated drop in sales tax, the St. John the Baptist Parish Council is cutting corners, trimming back the budgets of parish departments. In most cases, a snip here and a snap there won’t hurt the services rendered to parish residents. Simply put, it may mean some departments will have to cut back on their excesses to relieve some of the stress placed on the parish’s operating budget.

But parish officials have emphasized that even departments that are unable to scale back, to operate on budgets reduced by about 10 percent, will not be left in jeopardy. The budget can be amended and funds can be transferred from other departments, such as Economic Development.

While there are areas in the budget that can legitimately be cut, most Parish Council members will tell you that there are two areas that should not be touched – unless that means adding more to those operating budgets. Those departments are sewerage and water.

In 2003, St. John’s ability to provide a safe and abundant source of drinking water will come into the question.

There have been problems with the water supply and distribution system since the 1980’s, a parish official told me in a recent interview. Although no one can say for sure why nothing was done about those problems then, they are saying that in 2003 some preliminary action will be taken. It has to in order to handle the parish’s rapid growth.

It is not time for blame, but for action.

Two of St. John’s water systems, the Ruddock well system and the Lions Water Plant, are operating at their maximum daily capacity. With the population in the parish increasing, there could, if no changes to the system are made, come a time when there is not enough water to meet parish demand. That means no water for the public and no water for industries.

While parish officials believe they could still get another 10 years or more of use out of the current system, preparations are being made to update the water supply and distribution system in the parish. Last year the parish commissioned a study of the water supply and distribution system. The study, released in October, has recommended a course of action.

In the meantime, officials are working to improve the system already in place. Those improvements include repairs to the existing water system and new measures to reduce the amount of THMs in the water supply.

THMs are by-products formed when chlorine used to treat the water reacts with natural organic materials in the water. Scientists believe that long-term exposure to THMs can cause health problems.

Parish officials believe the water is still safe, but are working to reduce THM levels to new EPA mandated limits. According to Public Works and Utilities Director Henry DiFranco, this can be done by implementing a chlorine dioxide system at Lions Water Plant, changing chlorine injection points at Ruddock and, eventually, by adding aeration systems.

Chlorine dioxide reduces the amount of chlorine that is needed to treat water. It also helps to dissolve some of the organics that are present in the water. However, that change could cost the parish at least $4,000 more per month.

Changing the points where chlorine is injected (as well as the quantities of chlorine used) gives the chlorine less time to react with natural materials in the water. That change, DiFranco said, is relatively inexpensive. If it does not bring down THM levels enough, however, it could mean big expenses for the parish.

A chlorine dioxide system at Ruddock would be more expensive and the benefits probably not justify the expense. The next step, a step that parish officials say they plan to take regardless of results from initial changes at Ruddock, is installation of an aeration system. THMs dissipate when mixed with oxygen.

An aeration system would cost as much as $600,000 to $1 million.

So in an year already promising cuts in the parish budget, how do we go about paying for these things? Where will the funds come from for the solution to capacity problems – a water plant?

Parish Council members have been discussing options with the parish bond attorney. Bond Attorney Hugh Martin and DiFranco are expected to make statements concerning possible funding sources and the utilities budget at the Finance Committee meeting Tuesday.

Parish officials are also looking into grant monies and other sources of government funding for the projects.

Increases in parish water bills could also result.

Whatever the funding source, upgrades to the parish’s water supply and distribution system are essential.

If there is some discomfort to the public, whether resulting from changes in the budget, brown water during pilot testing (which can happen) or from an increased water bill, be patient. The long-term benefits will make any short-term sacrifices worth it.

MELISSA PEACOCK is a staff reporter for L’Observateur. She may be reached at (985) 652-9545.